Olympic Biathlon Gold Medallist Laura Dahlmeier Confirmed Dead In Climbing Accident In Pakistan

 

 

Khaplu, Pakistan : Germany's two-time Olympic biathlon gold medallist Laura Dahlmeier was confirmed dead aged 31 on Wednesday after being hit by falling rocks on a Pakistani mountain. The dangerous nature of the site made rescue efforts "impossible", her management company reported in a statement issued on Wednesday, which confirmed her death. "Rescue efforts to recover her failed and the operation was suspended," the statement continued. "Laura's energy and passion for life touched so many around the world," the International Biathlon Union reacted in a statement.

 

It added: "Her legacy, both within biathlon and beyond, will never be forgotten and will continue to inspire countless athletes and adventurers for generations to come." "This is an enormous shock. Laura will always remain in my heart," Dahlmeier's friend and rival, Czech champion Gabriela Soukalova posted on social media. The accident happened around midday on Monday at an altitude of 5,700 metres (18,700 feet) on Laila Peak in the Karakoram range, according to a statement from her team on her official social media pages. Dahlmeier's climbing partner was able to sound the alarm after reaching safety.

 

"It was determined that a helicopter rescue is not possible," Areeb Ahmed Mukhtar, a senior local official in Ghanche district, where the more than 6,000 metre mountain is located, told AFP earlier on Wednesday. "The conditions at the altitude where she was injured are extremely challenging," he added. Shipton Trek & Tours Pakistan, which organised the expedition, confirmed the ground rescue by a team of four that includes three Americans and a German mountaineer. Dahlmeier was "hit by falling rocks," her team said on Tuesday, adding no one had yet been able to reach her due to the danger of further rockfalls and the site's "remoteness".